Editing Openai/69644058-21a4-8000-8c84-865d28fbb8f2 (section)

=== Assistant: Here’s a clear side-by-side comparison of SPIMS vs Regular DepEd hiring, specifically for returning Filipino teachers: ===
Here’s a clear side-by-side comparison of SPIMS vs Regular DepEd hiring, specifically for returning Filipino teachers:

| Feature                  | SPIMS (“Sa Pinas, Ikaw ang Ma’am at Sir”)                                                                            | Regular DepEd Hiring                                                                                                     |
| ------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Target Applicants        | Returning OFWs who are LET passers                                                                                   | All qualified teachers (Filipino citizens), whether local or returning from abroad                                       |
| Eligibility Requirements | - Filipino citizen
* LET passer
* Must have been working abroad as OFW
* Return within 3 years of last overseas work | - Filipino citizen
* LET passer (for public school teaching)
* No OFW requirement                                        |
| Recruitment Process      | - Coordinated by DepEd + OWWA/NRCO/DMW
* Placement in public schools facilitated by SPIMS                            | - Open DepEd hiring through Regional Office or Schools Division
* Ranking based on qualifications, experience, and exams |
| Priority / Advantage     | - SPIMS candidates often get priority placement in DepEd schools                                                     | - No special priority; competitive process                                                                               |
| Employment Status        | - Hired as Teacher I or appropriate rank
* Guaranteed placement if eligible                                          | - Hired based on vacancy and rank
* May require additional screening                                                     |
| Support / Assistance     | - Refresher training, teaching kits, some reintegration assistance                                                   | - None (must meet DepEd requirements independently)                                                                      |
| Target Benefit           | - Encourage OFWs to return and teach                                                                                 | - Standard public school employment for all qualified teachers                                                           |
| Limitations              | - Only available to OFWs; J-1 teachers do not qualify                                                                | - Open to any qualified LET passer; J-1 teachers can apply through this route                                            |

===== ✅ Key Takeaways =====
* SPIMS = fast-track reintegration for OFWs; they get priority and support, but you must be classified as an OFW.
* Regular DepEd hiring = standard route; J‑1 teachers and local LET passers apply the same way as everyone else, no priority, but fully valid.
* J‑1 teachers benefit from international experience and LET, but cannot access SPIMS benefits.

If you want, I can make a step-by-step “best path for J‑1 teachers returning to PH” plan, showing how to maximize DepEd hiring chances. This could save you months of guesswork.

Do you want me to make that plan?